US NATIONAL NEWS
What we know about the shooting of an Uber driver in Ohio and the scam surrounding it
It was a common scam that ended with an uncommon outcome, tragically in an Ohio driveway.
William J. Brock fatally shot an Uber driver because he wrongly assumed she was part of a scheme to extract $12,000 in supposed bond money for a relative, authorities said this week. Lo-Letha Hall was a victim of the same con, summoned by the grifters to Brock’s house to retrieve a purported package for delivery.
Brock later told investigators he believed Hall arrived to get the money the scammers wanted.
He is now facing murder charges, to which he’s pleaded not guilty. Hall’s family is grieving. And Uber is helping investigators to try to catch whoever was behind the attempted swindle.
The grift is commonly known as a grandparent scam or fraud, exploiting older people’s love for their family, experts say. Callers claim to be anyone from grandchildren to police, telling victims something terrible happened and that their younger relative needs money.
Here’s what we know about the shooting and the investigation so far:
WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED?
Brock, 81, received scam calls the morning of March 25 at his home in South Charleston, a town of about 1,800 people between Dayton and Columbus. The calls regarded an incarcerated relative and “turned to threats and a demand for money,” according to a statement from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
While Brock was on the phone, Hall got a request through the Uber app to pick up a package from Brock’s house for delivery, the sheriff’s office said. Hall, 61, of Columbus, was unaware of the attempted scam.
“Upon being contacted by Ms. Hall, Mr. Brock produced a gun and held her at gunpoint, making demands for identities of the subjects he had spoken with on the phone,” the sheriff’s office said.
Hall was unarmed and never threatened Brock or made any demands of him, the sheriff’s office said.
Brock took Hall’s cellphone and refused to let her leave, the sheriff’s office said. When she tried to get back into her car, Brock shot her. He shot her a second time and a third time during subsequent scuffles.
Brock then called 911 to report he shot someone on his property who was trying to rob him.
Police body camera footage shows him briefly discussing what he said had happened.
“I’m sure glad to see you guys out here because I’ve been on this phone for a couple hours with this guy trying to say to me I had a nephew in jail and had a wreck in Charleston and just kept hanging on and needing bond money,” Brock said. “And this woman was supposed to get it.”
The footage shows investigators discussing $12,000 sitting on a table in Brock’s house.
The footage also shows a Clark County Sheriff’s Office detective in Brock’s house talking on the phone with a man who was talking to Brock earlier. He identified himself as an officer and told the detective, “You’re going to be in trouble.”
When the detective identified herself as an actual police officer, the phone disconnected. During a subsequent phone call with the man, the detective told him the Uber driver was in a serious accident, in the hospital and “not doing well.”
The man told the detective he’d be there in 20 minutes. He was not.
Brock was indicted on Monday of charges of murder, assault and kidnapping. He posted $200,000 bail and was released from the Clark County Jail on Wednesday. His attorney, Paul Kavanagh, did not immediately return an email seeking comment on Friday.
HOW COMMON ARE THESE SCAMS?
Grandparent scams have become increasingly common in the last 10 to 15 years — in part because of the abundance of personal information available about people online, said Anthony Pratkanis, an emeritus psychology professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Criminals retrieve specific details about someone’s relative on social media and use the information to convince victims that their loved one is in trouble, said Pratkanis, whose research includes fraud crimes.
“Basically what the criminal is doing is taking advantage of our human nature,” he said. “You’re in a panic state, high emotional arousal. It’s a fear appeal. And the best way to get rid of that fear is to give the criminal that money.”
Fraudsters typically prefer financial transactions that don’t require physical proximity, such as wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency, Pratkanis said. This case is unusual because the scammers deployed Hall as an unsuspecting money mule.
“Most people in today’s kind of scams don’t really have interactions with the criminal — there’s a distance,” Pratkanis said. “But when there isn’t, there’s an opportunity for the anger of being victimized to cause the victim to take action.”
Uber said Wednesday that it was helping investigators look into an account that sent Hall to Brock’s home. The ride-hailing company described Hall’s death as “a horrific tragedy.”
‘A BOND LIKE NO OTHER’
An obituary for Hall described her as the parent of a son and a stepson, a devoted member of her church and a talented cook known for delicious pound cakes.
She retired from Ohio’s Regional Income Tax Agency and also worked in behavioral health, at a school and for Uber. She studied horticulture at Ohio State and started a janitorial business.
At a memorial service that was streamed online, her son Mario Hall spoke of how close they were even though they lived in different states, often speaking on the phone multiple times a day. He said they “had a bond like no other.”
“Thank you for all your sacrifices and all the things you have instilled in me,” he said. “You are the best mom that anyone could ask for. And I promise to continue to make you proud.”
US NATIONAL NEWS
Diamond and Silk’s Unwavering Trump Support Lives On Amid Historic MLK Day Inauguration
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway, who tragically passed away on January 8, 2023, at the age of 51, remains an unforgettable force in American politics. As one-half of the viral duo Diamond and Silk, Diamond’s bold charisma and unapologetic voice made her a household name among conservatives and a trailblazer in the political sphere. Together, the sisters from North Carolina became some of former President Donald Trump’s most vocal African American supporters, rallying voters with their signature catchphrases and electrifying energy.
Diamond and Silk were steadfast champions of Trump’s policies, advocating for the “America First” agenda and encouraging others to “get on the Trump Train.” Their meteoric rise from social media influencers to political commentators showed their ability to energize and mobilize voters across racial and ideological divides.
As President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares to make history with his inauguration on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 20, 2025, one can only imagine what Diamond’s reaction would have been. Known for her unyielding confidence and enthusiasm, she would likely have exclaimed, “We did it again, Silk! We’re making history by celebrating Trump’s inauguration on MLK Day.” This moment underscores her life’s work of defying expectations and standing firm in her beliefs.
Diamond’s Life and Legacy
Diamond’s impact was more than just political; it was cultural. She represented authenticity, courage, and resilience. From her grassroots beginnings to becoming a voice for millions, Diamond never wavered in her support for what she believed in. Her legacy continues to inspire not only her sister Silk but also countless Americans who admired her tenacity.
The significance of Trump’s inauguration coinciding with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day further amplifies Diamond’s enduring legacy. The event symbolizes a merging of historic narratives—celebrating Dr. King’s fight for equality and Diamond’s fight for conservative principles.
As we honor her memory, we also celebrate the indelible mark she left on politics, culture, and the lives of her supporters. Diamond’s spirit lives on through those who dare to speak their truth and champion their convictions, just as she did.
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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
ATLANTA, GA. (FNN) – Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, at the age of 100. The Carter Center announced his passing, stating he was surrounded by family at his home in Plains, Georgia. President Carter’s remarkable life spanned public service, humanitarian leadership, and unwavering commitment to peace and human rights.
Carter, who served one term from 1977 to 1981, is remembered not only for his presidency but also for his extraordinary post-presidential work. As a humanitarian, he founded the Carter Center, dedicated to advancing democracy, combating disease, and improving quality of life worldwide. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Chip Carter, the former president’s son, released a heartfelt statement through the Carter Center:
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
The Carter Center also announced plans for public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., culminating in a private interment in Plains, Georgia, where Carter will rest alongside his wife, Rosalynn.
World Mourns Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Peace, Human Rights, and Service
Tributes from Around the Globe
Leaders from around the world have expressed their condolences and admiration for President Carter’s legacy.
President Joe Biden
“Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.
Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.
With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.
He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.
We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.
To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff – from the earliest days to the final ones – we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy.
And to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.
To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country.”
President Donald Trump
“I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.
The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.
Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”
President Barack Obama
“For decades, you could walk into Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia on some Sunday mornings and see hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews. And standing in front of them, asking with a wink if there were any visitors that morning, would be President Jimmy Carter — preparing to teach Sunday school, just like he had done for most of his adult life.
Some who came to hear him speak were undoubtedly there because of what President Carter accomplished in his four years in the White House — the Camp David Accords he brokered that reshaped the Middle East; the work he did to diversify the federal judiciary, including nominating a pioneering women’s rights activist and lawyer named Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the federal bench; the environmental reforms he put in place, becoming one of the first leaders in the world to recognize the problem of climate change.
Others were likely there because of what President Carter accomplished in the longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history — monitoring more than 100 elections around the world; helping virtually eliminate Guinea worm disease, an infection that had haunted Africa for centuries; becoming the only former president to earn a Nobel Peace Prize; and building or repairing thousands of homes in more than a dozen countries with his beloved Rosalynn as part of Habitat for Humanity.
But I’m willing to bet that many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carter’s decency.
Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did — advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image.
Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didn’t just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. In his Nobel acceptance speech, President Carter said, “God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace.” He made that choice again and again over the course of his 100 years, and the world is better for it.
Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away — buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.”
President George W. Bush
“Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family.
James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.
We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family.”
President Bill Clinton
“Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others—until the very end.
From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity—he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.
Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his Presidential campaign. I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House.
Our prayers are with Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and their families.”
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Florida Civil Rights Association President J. Willie David, III, reflected on his impact, stating:
“President Jimmy Carter was a transformative figure whose unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity shaped our nation and inspired the world. His tireless advocacy for civil rights, affordable housing, and global peace resonates deeply with our mission. The Florida Civil Rights Association honors his extraordinary legacy and commits to continuing the work he championed so passionately.”
A Lasting Legacy
Jimmy Carter’s legacy transcends politics, touching countless lives through his dedication to building homes for the underserved with Habitat for Humanity and fostering peace in conflict-ridden areas. His work eradicated diseases like Guinea worm and provided hope to marginalized communities.
Carter’s presidency and humanitarian efforts demonstrated his core belief: “Human rights are the soul of our foreign policy because human rights are the very soul of our sense of nationhood.”
Impact of Jimmy Carter’s Legacy
- Global Peace: Brokered the historic Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1978.
- Humanitarian Leadership: Spearheaded initiatives through the Carter Center, addressing global health and democracy.
- Civil Rights Advocacy: Championed equality and justice throughout his life, serving as a role model for leadership with integrity.
- Community Building: Worked tirelessly with Habitat for Humanity, building homes and hope for countless families.
- Longevity of Service: Continued active humanitarian efforts into his 90s, inspiring generations to prioritize service over self-interest.
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